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DIY install guide
How to apply tape-in hair extensions at home
Step-by-step Muse install guide. Watch the video, follow the 8 steps, and you'll be done in 20 minutes. No salon, no specialist training, no $500 bill.
In this guide
Watch the install in real time
This is the full Muse install walkthrough — both putting the wefts in and taking them out. If you've never done DIY tape-ins before, watch this once start to finish before you begin. It'll save you guessing at the placement and remove most of the first-time anxiety.
What you'll need
- Your Muse DIY kit — 7 wefts of 100% Remy human hair, pre-cut tape strips, application remover, and the printed placement guide
- A wide-tooth comb
- Sectioning clips (3-4 is plenty)
- A mirror — full-length is ideal but a regular bathroom mirror works
- A clarifying shampoo for prep
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The 8-step install
Step 1
Wash your hair
Wash with a clarifying shampoo to remove all product buildup. Do NOT condition your roots — only apply conditioner to the ends. Conditioner residue near the roots is the #1 reason tape-ins fail to bond.
Step 2
Blow dry completely
Hair must be 100% dry. Even slightly damp hair stops the tape from bonding. Use a hairdryer on cool to finish if you're rushing — touch your hair near the roots, if it feels cool or sticky, it's not dry yet.
Step 3
Apply tape strips to both sides of each weft
Each weft gets a pre-cut tape strip on the front and the back. Press firmly along the length of the weft to seal the tape against the seam. Don't peel the backing yet — leave both backings on for now.
Step 4
Section your hair using the placement guide
The placement guide shows you exactly where each of the 7 wefts goes — typically 3 across the back, 2 on each side, working bottom to top. Use sectioning clips to keep everything tidy as you work up.
Step 5
Apply the first weft using the reverse method
Peel the backing off the front of the tape. Place the weft 0.5-1cm below the section line — never directly on the scalp. Press firmly. Then peel the backing off the back of the tape, and let your natural hair fall over the top of the weft. Press your hair into the tape on both sides so it bonds.
Step 6
Repeat for all 7 wefts
Work upward following the placement guide. Press firmly for at least 30 seconds on every weft. Don't rush this — the firm pressure is what locks the bond in for the next 4 weeks.
Step 7
Wait 48 hours before washing
This is the curing window. The tape continues to bond chemically over the first 48 hours. Get them wet too soon and the bond breaks down. After 48 hours you can shower, swim, exercise — anything.
Step 8
Re-install every 4 weeks
After 4 weeks your natural hair has grown ~1cm and the wefts sit lower than ideal. Time to remove, re-tape, and reinstall. Done properly, you'll get 8-10 installs from one kit.
How to remove your tape-ins
Removal is genuinely simple. The same video above covers both install and removal. Here's the written process:
- Spray the Muse remover from your kit onto the top of each weft
- Wait 2 minutes for the remover to break the adhesive
- Gently massage the weft out with your fingers using a side-to-side motion. It should slide free easily
- If a weft is stuck, do NOT pull. Apply more remover, wait another 2 minutes, and try again
How to take old tape off your wefts (between installs)
Once the wefts are out of your hair, you need to peel the old tape strip off so you can apply fresh tape for the next install. This is a different process to removing extensions.
- Spray the remover onto the old tape strip on each weft
- Wait 2 minutes
- Grab the edge of the tape strip with a paper towel and peel it away from the weft. The paper towel gives you grip without leaving residue on your fingers
- If there's any sticky residue left on the weft, apply a little more remover and rub it off with your fingers
Watch the second install tutorial
If you'd like to see the install one more time from a different angle, here's another full walkthrough:
Care between installs
Three things keep your wefts looking new:
- Sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner. We recommend Muk Hair Extension Shampoo and Muk 1-Minute Leave-In Mask. No sulphates, no heavy oils, no silicone
- Heat protectant before any heat styling. Don't apply direct heat onto the tape bonds — work below them
- Loose plait or low pony at night. A silk pillowcase reduces friction and prolongs wear
More info
Common install problems and how to fix them
The tape is slipping after a few days. The most common cause is residue at the roots from conditioner or oils. Strip back with a clarifying shampoo, dry hair completely, apply fresh tape, and reinstall. Press firmly for 30+ seconds per weft.
I can see the wefts. They were placed too high. Each weft should sit 0.5-1cm below the section line, never directly on the scalp. Reposition by removing and reinstalling that weft slightly lower.
The wefts feel heavy. Either too many were installed (one kit of 7 wefts is enough for most hair types), or your hair is too fine to support all of them. If they feel heavy, try installing fewer pieces next time — even 4 or 5 wefts can give you fullness and length without the weight.
Tangling at the bonds. If tangling is happening right at the bonds, the section wasn't clean enough when you installed. The wefts need to be removed and re-done. Strip the residue with a clarifying shampoo, dry your hair completely, and reinstall on properly clean sections.
What if the wefts feel frizzy after the first wash?
This is normal. Our extensions ship with a protective coating that comes off after the first wash. Once washed, the hair returns to its natural wavy texture and needs to be styled with heat (hairdryer, straightener, or curling wand) along with a heat protectant. Style as you would your own hair.
Do I need to do anything special before the very first install?
Just wash, blow dry completely, and follow the placement guide. The very first time can take ~25 minutes; by your third install you'll be down to 15 minutes. If you're nervous, watch the install video twice through before starting.
Can I install them by myself or do I need help?
Most people install themselves using a mirror. The placement guide is designed for solo install. Some customers find it easier to have a friend help with the wefts at the back, but it's absolutely doable on your own.
Frequently asked questions
How long do tape-in extensions stay in for?
Each install lasts about 4 weeks before the wefts need to be moved up to match natural hair growth. The wefts themselves are reusable for up to 9 months with proper care, giving you 8 to 10 installs from a single kit.
Why won't my tape stick?
The most common cause is residue at the roots from conditioner, oils or heavy products. Wash with a clarifying shampoo, keep conditioner away from the roots, and make sure hair is 100% dry before applying. Always press firmly for at least 30 seconds per weft.
Can I sleep, swim and exercise with tape-in extensions?
Yes to all three. Sleep with hair in a loose plait, rinse after swimming to remove chlorine or salt, and exercise as normal. The tape is designed for daily life. Don't wash for the first 48 hours after install.
How do I find my shade?
Take our 60-second shade quiz for an instant match, or submit a free colour match request with a photo for a personal review by our team.
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